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Changing of Guard
In Germany

Schroeder's Exit Would Mark
Shift From Leaders Rooted in '60s

By

Marcus Walker and

Ian Johnson Staff Reporters of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

Updated Oct. 10, 2005 12:01 a.m. ET

BERLIN -- A widely expected agreement by Gerhard Schroeder to step down as German chancellor would mark the political sunset for a generation of leaders with roots in 1960s student radicalism that has reshaped German politics and trans-Atlantic relations.

The deal being finalized today by Germany's two major political parties is expected to usher in Angela Merkel as chancellor, presiding over a cabinet evenly balanced between center-left and center-right ministers. The anticipated arrangement would allow a bipartisan...